Photo by Saving Green in the Garden: How Home Gardens Can Combat Inflation
As prices for fresh produce continue to rise, many Americans are digging deep to find new ways to save. One solution that’s taking root is home gardening. With the Consumer Price Index estimating a near 5% increase in fresh vegetable prices and a 7% increase in fresh fruit prices this year, experts suggest planning meals around seasonal produce to keep costs down.
Gardening essentials
“We have people coming and learning how to [garden] that want to come and learn how to do this in their own backyard,” said one enthusiast.
According to the National Gardening Association, home gardeners looking to grow their savings should focus on plants that produce big yields in small spaces, such as tomatoes, zucchini, and cucumbers. For example, a small packet of lettuce seeds can cost around $2 and yield enough lettuce for a summer’s worth of greens, providing hundreds of dollars in savings.
“Not only do we get better-tasting fresh vegetables – it doesn’t hurt your pocket.” - Michael Pratt
Pratt turned his gardening hobby into a savings bonanza, saying he’s now buying “significantly less” produce from the store, and saving hundreds of dollars a month.
For those looking to start their own home garden, Pratt suggests researching what plants grow best in their area. And for those who don’t have the space for a garden, there are still options to save. Apartment dwellers can focus on growing fresh herbs in containers on window sills or invest in a hydroponic and vertical indoor farming system.
Indoor farming systems can be a great option for small spaces
By getting straight to the root of the problem, Americans are finding ways to save on fresh produce and grow their own savings.
